File Library

This booklet provides an overview of the law on unfair dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996, explaining when employees are protected and the circumstances in which a dismissal may be considered fair or automatically unfair.

It outlines key concepts including constructive and wrongful dismissal, redundancy, and the importance of employers following fair procedures in line with the ACAS Code of Practice.

The guide also explains how claims are brought within strict time limits and the remedies available through employment tribunals, including reinstatement, re-engagement and financial compensation for losses arising from dismissal.

This booklet provides an overview of the legal protections against sexual orientation discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, outlining how unlawful treatment can arise throughout employment, including recruitment, promotion, training and dismissal.

It explains key concepts such as direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation, as well as the responsibilities of employers and the limited exceptions that may apply.

The guide also covers how claims are assessed, the burden of proof, strict time limits for bringing tribunal claims, and the remedies available, including compensation and recommendations, emphasising the importance of early legal advice where discrimination is suspected.

This booklet provides an overview of settlement agreements, explaining how these legally binding contracts are used to bring an employment relationship to an end while requiring employees to waive most of their legal rights to pursue claims against their employer.

It outlines the key requirements for a valid agreement, including the need for independent legal advice, and highlights the types of rights typically given up, such as claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination and contractual entitlements.

The guide also explains common terms relating to notice pay, redundancy, references and tax treatment, while emphasising the importance of fully understanding the financial and legal implications before signing and seeking timely professional advice.

This booklet provides an overview of the legal protections against religion or belief discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, explaining how the law safeguards individuals from unfair treatment in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotion, and dismissal.

It outlines key concepts such as direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation, as well as the responsibilities of employers and the limited exceptions that may apply in specific circumstances.

The guide also explains how claims are assessed, the burden of proof, applicable time limits and available remedies, including compensation, emphasising the importance of early legal advice where discrimination is suspected.

This booklet explains how Thompsons Solicitors Scotland advises clients on two trust structures designed to protect assets and preserve financial security: Personal Injury Trusts and Discretionary Lifetime Trusts.

It outlines that trusts allow assets to be managed by trustees for the benefit of beneficiaries, and emphasises their practical value in safeguarding compensation payments, protecting inheritances, and managing exposure to risks such as divorce, bankruptcy, care fees, and financial vulnerability.

The booklet highlights that a Personal Injury Trust may help preserve entitlement to means-tested benefits and local authority support by ring-fencing compensation, while a Discretionary Lifetime Trust offers flexibility over when and how beneficiaries receive assets, helping to protect those who are young, vulnerable, financially inexperienced, or at risk of outside influence. Overall, the booklet presents trusts as a strategic legal tool for estate planning, asset protection, and long-term family support, with tailored legal advice available to suit individual circumstances